Lead Applications Engineer - Aerospace Center of Excellence

Paycom - ATS; Schaumburg (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Vision, Dental

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Short-Term Disability

Employee Referral Program

Job summary

DN Solutions America is seeking a Lead Applications Engineer for the Aerospace Center of Excellence at our Chicago Technical Center. You will lead the development and demonstration of advanced machining processes for aerospace and defense customers, directing work across evaluations, turnkey projects, test cuts, and production validation.

The role is hands-on, coordinating with internal teams and customers to ensure high-quality results, on-time delivery, and continuous improvement in tooling,

Qualifications

• 10+ years in CNC machining or applications engineering with aerospace experience.
• Ability to develop, program, set up, and validate complex 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining processes.
• Experience machining titanium, Inconel, stainless steels; strong tooling/fixturing knowledge.
• Interpret aerospace drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and quality requirements.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software, G-code troubleshooting, simulation, and cycle-time analysis.
• Experience leading technical projects and coaching engineers; strong customer communication.

Responsibilities

• Set priorities for aerospace applications and guide teams through planning, prove-out, validation, and handoff.
• Lead projects from part review through machine selection, process design, programming, and production startup.
• Develop multi-axis milling strategies for complex aerospace components and difficult materials.
• Select and validate cutting tools, fixtures, probing, inspection methods, and automation concepts.
• Program and prove out applications on DN Solutions and HELLER machines as needed.
• Document cycle times, setups, tooling, quality results, and lessons learned.
• Mentor engineers and ensure timely, quality delivery.
• Collaborate with HQ Applications Engineering, R&D, product management, sales, and customers.

Skills

CNC machining

Aerospace machining

3-, 4-, 5-axis programming

Tooling & workholding

CAD/CAM software

GDT & drawings interpretation

machining simulation

Project leadership

Communication with customers

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/manufacturing/aerospace/industrial engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

hyperMILL

Mastercam

VERICUT

Job description

Company DescriptionFor over 50 years, DN Solutions has built machine tools that shape the world around us, including the cars we drive, the planes we fly, and the medical devices that save lives. We develop smart machines and customized solutions that advance these essential industries.Join our applications engineering team and help customers put advanced mill-turn technology to work.Job DescriptionThe Lead Applications Engineer for the Aerospace Center of Excellence leads the development and demonstration of advanced machining processes for aerospace and defense customers. Based at the Chicago Technical Center, this person directs technical work across customer evaluations, turnkey projects, test cuts, and production validation. The role is hands-on: the lead programs and proves out difficult parts while guiding other engineers and coordinating with DN Solutions and HELLER technical teams.Job ResponsibilitiesSet technical priorities for aerospace applications and guide engineers through process planning, programming, prove-out, validation, and customer handoff.Lead customer projects from part review and feasibility through machine selection, process design, programming, test cutting, validation, acceptance, and production startup.Develop multi-axis milling strategies for complex aerospace and defense components, including difficult materials, tight tolerances, and demanding surface requirements.Select and validate cutting tools, fixtures, probing, inspection methods, and automation concepts to achieve quality, cycle-time, and production requirements.Program, set up, and prove out applications on DN Solutions and HELLER machines as appropriate to the project.Establish repeatable methods for documenting cycle times, setups, tooling, quality results, lessons learned, and other key application data.Mentor aerospace applications engineers and review technical work to ensure consistent quality, technical execution, and on-time delivery.Collaborate with HQ Applications Engineering, R&D, HELLER, product management, sales, service, and customers on machine capabilities, technical requirements, new technologies, and demonstrations.Coordinate project schedules, technical risks, deliverables, customer communications, and technical presentations, including pre-sale evaluations, cycle-time studies, proposals, demonstrations, and customer visits.Support customer implementation through production optimization, personnel training, and technical events, including open houses and trade shows, while representing the COE and presenting validated process recommendations and results.Job RequirementsRequiredAt least 10 years of experience in CNC machining, manufacturing engineering, or applications engineering, including substantial aerospace machining experience.Demonstrated ability to develop, program, set up, and validate complex 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining processes.Experience machining difficult materials such as titanium, Inconel, and stainless steels, with strong knowledge of tooling and workholding.Ability to interpret aerospace drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and customer quality requirements.Proficiency with CAD/CAM software, G-code troubleshooting, machining simulation, and cycle-time analysis.Experience leading technical projects and coaching other engineers; strong communication with customers and cross-functional teams.Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, or industrial engineering, or equivalent relevant experience.PreferredExperience with DN Solutions or HELLER machining centers and their control platforms.Experience with Siemens NX, hyperMILL, Mastercam, VERICUT, or comparable CAM and verification tools.Experience with aerospace and defense customer requirements, AS9100 quality systems, and applicable export-control and security requirements.Experience integrating automation, in-process measurement, and production data into machining processes.Company BenefitsCompetitive pay based on experience.401(k)Health, Vision, and Dental InsuranceLife Insurance and Short-Term DisabilityPaid Time-Off including vacation, sick time, and Holidays.Employee Referral ProgramOur success is driven by our team of talented, dedicated individuals working closely together to meet or exceed customer expectations. Take the next step in your career and become part of our fast-growing company.DN Solutions America is an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, religion, or veteran status.